The top priority for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason remains the contract status of superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones. The two-time first-team All-Pro took to the stage during the team’s Super Bowl parade, emphasizing his desire to stay with the team, saying he plans to return to the AFC West club. However, his agent quickly took to Twitter (also known as X) to put to rest the idea, suggesting Jones had maybe one too many to drink before claiming his return to Kansas City. Jones’ agent might have had a point, as a return will likely come at a high price, especially without using the franchise tag.

Per NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the three-time Super Bowl Champion is unlikely to receive a franchise tag because of his 2023 cap hit.

Jones’ projected franchise tag sits at $32 million, well over the preset $19.7 million for his position group. Once per offseason, an NFL team can franchise tag (exclusive) a player, sealing a soon-to-be free agent to a unique one-year deal. The tagged player earns a non-negotiable, preset salary relative to the market value of their position. The 2024 franchise tag value for a defensive tackle is $16 million; for ends, it is $19 million.

Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones: Franchise Tag Unexpected

NFL Kansas City Chief Chris Jones speaks to the media after his team’s Super Bowl LVIII victory. Credit; PA Wire/PA Images via Getty Images
Due to its value, the Chiefs are unlikely to offer defensive star Chris Jones a franchise tag. Jones owns a $32 million franchise tag value, well over the market price for his position. If Kansas City elects to tag Jones, he will make the market value of a quarterback for one season.  

Kansas City franchise tagged Jones in 2020 before eventually inking him to a lucrative four-year, $85 million extension, with $60 million guaranteed. The Mississippi State product held out last offseason before receiving a $6 million incentive-based boost to return to the gridiron. Pro Football Focus has Jones with a projected contract worth “$120 million over four years with $80 million guaranteed.”

Chirs Jones: Remains Top Defensive Line Performer Heading Into Age-30 Season

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs players: defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) rallies the crowd during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports (Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes)
Jones posted his third double-digit sack campaign last season, earning his second first-team All-Pro nod. He finished the season with 10.5 sacks, 13 TFLs, 29 QB hits, and 30 tackles in 16 games. He also earned Pro Bowl honors. Jones enters the offseason with 75.5 sacks over eight seasons. 

Jones played an instrumental role in his team’s run to the Super Bowl. He had two QB hits, a tackle, and a sack against Miami in the playoff opener. He performed his best against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Jones posted four tackles and two QB hits in his team’s 25-22 win. 

Source: https://gridironheroics.com/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-tag-unexpected/